Manual Seat Height Adjuster with Self-Locking Freewheel Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual seat height adjusters for vehicles suffer from downward movement over time due to vibration and load, leading to a loss of height, and lack a reliable mechanical locking feature to prevent such movement.
Innovation Solution
A manual seat height adjuster mechanism incorporating a freewheel brake mechanism with a rotatable output pinion and a locking mechanism that engages and disengages to allow adjustment while preventing reverse rotation, utilizing a ratchet gear and elastic inserts for self-locking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual seat height adjuster is provided without a locking mechanism, then the seat height can be easily adjusted manually, but the seat portion moves downward over time due to vibration and load, resulting in loss of height
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster mechanism uses a self-locking feature that automatically engages when the adjustment force is removed. The cam-shaped locking element engages with the adjustment component to prevent downward movement, allowing the system to maintain its adjusted state without continuous external input or power
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically upon completion of the adjustment action. As the adjustment component rotates, the locking element is positioned to engage with the adjustment component, preemptively preventing any potential downward movement before it can occur
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent downward movement, then height retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing manual adjuster assembly, sharing common components such as the adjustment component and housing. The locking element is positioned within the same structural envelope as the adjustment mechanism, combining two functions (adjustment and locking) into a single integrated unit rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking feature eliminates the need for separate locking actuators, motors, or control systems. The mechanism uses the adjustment action itself to trigger the locking engagement, and the locking element is designed to maintain engagement passively without requiring additional components or energy input
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism effectively prevents downward movement of the seat after adjustment, providing a positive mechanical lock that maintains the seat height over time despite load and vibration, ensuring manual adjustability with secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism selectively engagable and disengageable with the freewheel brake mechanism to allow the height of the seat to be adjusted and to prevent the height of the seat from moving once the height has been adjusted
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a ratchet gear and elastic inserts for self-locking functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A manual seat height adjuster mechanism for a seat of a vehicle includes a freewheel brake mechanism having a rotatable output pinion to engage and rotate an adjustment component of the seat to adjust a height of the seat and a locking mechanism selectively engagable and disengageable with the freewheel brake mechanism to allow the height of the seat to be adjusted and to prevent the height of the seat from moving once the height has been adjusted.